RSNeely Posted July 4, 2016 Report Share Posted July 4, 2016 Here's something that I've been trying to figure out for awhile. I use MF super soft for everything i do. I was wondering if you guys stick with the same plastic for everything you do or do you change depending on what baits you're making? This brings me to tubes. I have been using a fine salt with them but not quite sure I'm personally 100 percent happy with them. Whats everyone like for tubes? Maybe i need to change to a courser salt for tubes? Thoughts? Im using the tube mold that requires cutting afterwards. Thanks everyone and have a nice July 4th! Ryan (Sinko Baits) @sinkobaits Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jig Man Posted July 4, 2016 Report Share Posted July 4, 2016 I use Calhoun medium for everything. I have hardner and softner if I need it but rarely use it. I have the Bear's tube molds. I don't use any salt in my baits. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hpssports Posted July 4, 2016 Report Share Posted July 4, 2016 Calhoun medium is a great all around plastic that I use the most. I also use MF medium for floating baits. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DaBehr Posted July 4, 2016 Report Share Posted July 4, 2016 I use Do-it Essential or MF...both in medium for everything except panfish baits. Soft will tear too easily for bass tubes. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kayaksticks Posted July 5, 2016 Report Share Posted July 5, 2016 I use Spike-its Medium Soft for everything and add hardener for baits intended for saltwater use. As for salt I don't use it in any of my baits. If I need a sinking bait like a stick bait I use fine blasting media. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Painter1 Posted July 5, 2016 Report Share Posted July 5, 2016 I also like MF Super Soft and find that the bass tend to hold on to for the Craws and worms that I make. I recently made some PT swim baits in medium but had better success with the soft ones. I don't use salt but coat the baits in a scented worm oil shortly after they cool. The baits soak up the scented oil overnight Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RSNeely Posted July 5, 2016 Author Report Share Posted July 5, 2016 I use Do-it Essential or MF...both in medium for everything except panfish baits. Soft will tear too easily for bass tubes. Since I use super soft, do you think I can add hardner to it, to make it more like the regular? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DaBehr Posted July 5, 2016 Report Share Posted July 5, 2016 I have not had good results messing with anyone's formula! I would suggest ordering a pint or a quart of the Essential plastic and give it a try. That will make a bunch of tubes...and besides...you can remelt them and remold. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jig Man Posted July 5, 2016 Report Share Posted July 5, 2016 Since I use super soft, do you think I can add hardner to it, to make it more like the regular? My experience with hardner is a LITTLE GOES A LONG WAYS. It is very easy to get them too hard. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bass-Boys Posted July 5, 2016 Report Share Posted July 5, 2016 Since I use super soft, do you think I can add hardner to it, to make it more like the regular? yes you can,, try a 1/4 teaspoon to 8 oz. plastic then ajust from there on how much hardner to add. also yes use a courser salt on tubes. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RSNeely Posted July 5, 2016 Author Report Share Posted July 5, 2016 I did just by some pickling salt to try. Going to give that a shot! Thanks everyone for your help. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MonteSS Posted July 6, 2016 Report Share Posted July 6, 2016 No reason to add salt to tubes. It just makes them harder and less durable. Medium alone will be fine. Add scent if you think it helps. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Les Young Posted August 2, 2016 Report Share Posted August 2, 2016 So regular old medium plastic is all that's needed to make good soft, but dirable tubes? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DaveMc1 Posted August 2, 2016 Report Share Posted August 2, 2016 (edited) So regular old medium plastic is all that's needed to make good soft, but dirable tubes? It all depends on where you are and how you fish your tubes. If you're flipping them primarily you can get away with a softer tube. Up here on the great lakes we tend to drag them a lot for smallies, you will want a tougher more durable tube. I use a Med/Hard plastic with a LOT of salt in it, same type of salt you can get at BaitJunkys, VERY fine and despite what some will tell you won't completely blow out your colours or make them less durable (actually have found over the years that the very fine salt helps with durability). If you are cutting the tails at all the salt in the plastic will help in that process. Edited August 2, 2016 by DaveMc1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Les Young Posted August 2, 2016 Report Share Posted August 2, 2016 Dave thanks. Guess I'll wait to see how durable the ones I dipped cure. I appreciate the help. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gone2long Posted August 3, 2016 Report Share Posted August 3, 2016 No salt here tube tails are just too small with salt they are far too weak when its added in I use medium plastic and course salt in the bag/container to keep tails separated but I do not sell so longevity is not my priority. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Les Young Posted August 8, 2016 Report Share Posted August 8, 2016 (edited) Thanks guys. I will use the large salt in the bag & will try the straight medium plastic since we use them in either open water or pitching to cover around here. Never knew of anyone dragging them around here. Thanks Edited August 8, 2016 by Les Young Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baitjunkys Posted August 8, 2016 Report Share Posted August 8, 2016 I got several of Davemcs Tubes here that I test cut, They are tuff as snot and loaded with salt. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
archery1 Posted August 8, 2016 Report Share Posted August 8, 2016 (edited) I no from experience salt added to my tubes makes the tails easier to cut, I am sure not everyone dips their own tubes some people might have the tube molds with the spline an insert ? so salt wouldnt help these guys out. Edited August 8, 2016 by archery1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Les Young Posted August 8, 2016 Report Share Posted August 8, 2016 Thanks Archery1 & Leonard. That 's what I wanted to here. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
